If you're not already terrified of the viral Ebola epidemic, you might be this coming Halloween as some party-goers rock the 'Ebola look'.

Some trick-or-treaters will be dressed as emergency responders to people sick with Ebola, head to toe in protective clothing, according to costume previews in social media.

Ghosts, vampires and fairy princesses will likely continue to be the most popular costumes for the October 31 fancy dress party. But every year, it seems edgier costumes emerge from important world events.

Costumes are meant to lampoon, "but the world is getting more serious. This is scary stuff," said Tony Bianchi, manager of New York Costumes in Manhattan.

In past years, the store has sold such ripped-from-the-headlines costumes as White House intern Monica Lewinsky, Princess Diana after her fatal car crash and the Chilean miners trapped underground in 2010.

The Ebola virus that has killed nearly 4,000 people in west Africa seems to be this year's favourite among some planning for Halloween.